U.S. patent application number 14/965460 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-07 for equipment carrier with a tensioned tether that retains equipment in an equipment holder.
The applicant listed for this patent is FL Archery Holdings LLC. Invention is credited to Jay Engstrom, Fred H. Hunt, Aaron Pellett, Lee Trueblood.
Application Number | 20160095419 14/965460 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52018370 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160095419 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hunt; Fred H. ; et
al. |
April 7, 2016 |
EQUIPMENT CARRIER WITH A TENSIONED TETHER THAT RETAINS EQUIPMENT IN
AN EQUIPMENT HOLDER
Abstract
An equipment carrier configured to secure at least one piece of
equipment to a user, and corresponding method. The equipment
carrier includes at least one equipment holder configured to be
secured to the user. The equipment holder includes an engaging
portion configured to receive the equipment. At least one tether
includes a first portion attached to the equipment and a second
portion attached to the user at a second location offset from the
engaging portion. The at least one tether applies a tension force
on the equipment to retain the equipment with the engaging portion
of the equipment holder. The tension force is negligible when the
equipment is disengaged from the equipment holder and positioned
near the second location.
Inventors: |
Hunt; Fred H.; (Duluth,
MN) ; Engstrom; Jay; (Port Wing, WI) ;
Pellett; Aaron; (Alborn, MN) ; Trueblood; Lee;
(Duluth, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FL Archery Holdings LLC |
Superior |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52018370 |
Appl. No.: |
14/965460 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14107037 |
Dec 16, 2013 |
|
|
|
14965460 |
|
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|
|
13180549 |
Jul 12, 2011 |
9210978 |
|
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14107037 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
29/426.1 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20130101; A45F
5/14 20130101; A45F 3/047 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F 3/04
20130101; A45F 2005/008 20130101; A45F 2003/045 20130101; A45F
2200/0533 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A method for securing equipment comprising: attaching a piece of
equipment to a base plate, the base plate comprising recesses;
sliding the base plate into a housing of a locking assembly, the
housing comprising channels; wherein sliding the base plate into
the housing comprises engaging the recesses of the base plate with
the channels of the housing.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein sliding the base plate into a
housing comprises lowering a locking flap of the locking assembly
into an unlocked configuration.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the base plate forces the locking
flap into the unlocked configuration.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the locking flap is biased into a
locked configuration when the base plate passes a leading edge of
the locking flap.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the locking flap is biased into
the locked configuration by a spring.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the locking flap pivots into the
unlocked configuration around a pivot pin.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein attaching the piece of equipment
to the base plate comprises attaching a threaded member to the
piece of equipment.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein attaching the piece of equipment
to the base plate comprises attaching a threaded member to the base
plate.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the piece of equipment comprises
a camera.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein attaching the piece of equipment
to the base plate comprises attaching a threaded member to a shoe
of the camera.
11. A method for removing equipment, comprising: pulling a trigger
of a locking assembly to lower a locking flap into an unlocked
configuration; and removing a base plate from a housing of the
locking assembly while the locking flap is in the unlocked
configuration.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein pulling the trigger comprises
moving the trigger around a pivot point into an unlocked
configuration.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising releasing the
trigger.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein releasing the trigger allows a
spring to bias the trigger into a locked configuration.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein releasing the trigger allows a
spring to bias the locking flap into a locked configuration.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the locking flap is flush with
a surface of the locking assembly in the unlocked
configuration.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein removing the base plate from
the housing comprises sliding the base plate out of channels of the
housing.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the locking flap is lowered by
rotating around a pivot point.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising attaching the base
plate to a tripod.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional, and claims the
benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120, of U.S. application Ser. No.
14/107,037, filed Dec. 16, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/180,549, filed Jul. 12, 2011, the
entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to an equipment carrier
that retains equipment, such as binoculars, cameras, range finders,
GPS systems, and other equipment, to a user, and to a locking
mechanism for securing the equipment to the equipment holder.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A wide variety of carriers exist for binoculars, cameras,
range finders, GPS systems, and other similar equipment. Various
carriers that secure the device to the user tend to limit access to
the device and typically require two hands to operate. For example,
a neck strap is not sufficient to secure binoculars when the user
is engaged in kinetic activity. A more elaborate structure is
required, which in tum, reduces access to the equipment.
[0004] Gaining quick and easy access to a device, especially with
only one hand, has proven to be difficult to achieve with existing
carriers.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The present disclosure is directed to an equipment carrier
configured to secure at least one piece of equipment to a user. The
equipment carrier includes at least one equipment holder configured
to be secured to the user. The equipment holder includes an
engaging portion configured to receive the equipment. At least one
tether includes a first portion attached to the equipment and a
second portion attached to the user at a second location offset
from the engaging portion. The at least one tether applies a
tension force on the equipment to retain the equipment with the
engaging portion of the equipment holder. The tension force is
negligible when the equipment is disengaged from the equipment
holder and positioned near the second location.
[0006] The engaging portion optionally includes a locking assembly
configured to lock a base plate attached to the equipment to the
equipment holder. The base plate is releasably attached to the
equipment, such as a shoe for a camera. The base plate is
configured to attach the equipment to other structures, such as a
tripod. The locking assembly is typically biases to a locked
configuration and the base plate slides into engagement with the
locking assembly.
[0007] The tether can be an elastically deformable member or a
retraction mechanism that generates the tension force. The
equipment holder can be attached to one of the user, or a backpack,
a safety or utility vest, a utility belt, a harness, a hydration
pack, or other garments or equipment worn by the user. The second
portion of the tether can be attached to one of the user, or a
backpack, a safety or utility vest, a utility belt, a harness, a
hydration pack, or other garments or equipment worn by the
user.
[0008] The present disclosure is also directed to a method of
securing at least one piece of equipment to a user. The method
includes attaching an equipment holder to the user. A first portion
of a tether is attached to the equipment and a second portion is
attached to the user at a location offset from an engaging portion
of the equipment holder. The equipment is positioned against the
engaging portion of the equipment holder in opposition to a tension
force applied by the tether. The tension force sufficient to retain
the equipment with the engaging portion of the equipment holder.
When the equipment is removed from the equipment holder the tension
force is negligible when the equipment is positioned near the
second location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an equipment carrier in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the equipment carrier of
FIG. 1 with tethers biasing an item of equipment into engagement
with the equipment holder in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the equipment carrier of
FIG. 1 with a front panel closed in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the equipment carrier of
FIG. 1 securing a device to a user in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the equipment carrier of
FIG. 4 with the user accessing the device in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an alternate equipment
carrier with a tether secured to a user in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an alternate equipment
carrier with tethers with retractable mechanisms secured to a user
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate equipment
carrier with an inverted equipment holder in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an equipment holder and
tethers secured to straps of a back pack in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an equipment carrier secured
to a user's arm in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate back panel with a removable
base plate for an equipment holder in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the back panel of FIG. 10
without the removable base plate in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the removable base plate of
FIG. 10.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a locking assembly on the
back panel of FIG. 10 in a locked configuration in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a locking assembly on the
back panel of FIG. 10 in a locked configuration in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates operation of the locking assembly of
FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0025] It should be noted that the embodiments depicted in this
disclosure are shown only schematically, and that not all features
may be shown in full detail or in proper proportion. Certain
features or structures may be exaggerated relative to others for
clarity. It should be noted further that the embodiments shown are
exemplary only, and should not be construed as limiting the scope
of the written description or appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0026] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of an equipment carrier
100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In
the illustrated embodiment, the equipment carrier 100 includes a
pair of shoulder straps 102, a waist strap 104, and a buckle 106
configured to secure to a user 50. The straps 102, 104 can be
constructed from a variety of suitable materials such as nylon or
canvas) and can be arranged with a variety of buckles, ties,
closures, and the like.
[0027] Equipment holder 200 is attached to one or more of the
straps 102, 104 so as to be supported against a wearer's chest or
belly, within easy reach (see e.g., FIG. 5). More generally, the
equipment holder 200 can be held at any convenient or suitable
position against the user's torso or limbs (see e.g., FIG. 9). The
position of the equipment holder 200 (e.g., its height) can be
fixed or adjustable on the equipment carrier 100, such as by
adjustment of strap lengths or a sliding buckle attached to one of
the straps 102, 104. In an alternate embodiment discussed herein,
the equipment holder 200 can be attached to straps of another
structure, such as a backpack, so the straps 102, 104 are not
necessary.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the equipment holder 200
includes back panel 202, top panel 206A, and front panel 206B ("the
top front panels 206"), and can further include a flexible bottom
front panel 208. The flexible bottom front panel 208 is attached to
a lower portion of back panel 202 and can fold upward to be
releasably attached to the top front panel 206. The equipment
holder 200 can be sized to accommodate the equipment 99 between the
various panels of the equipment holder 200 with the bottom front
panel 208 folded upward and attached to top front panel 206. The
bottom front panel 208 is attached to the top front panel 206 by
any suitable fastener or closure mechanism 210 (e.g., snap,
hook-and-loop, magnet, and so on). The equipment holder 200 can be
configured to hold any equipment 99 desired to be kept within easy
reach for the user, such as a pair of binoculars, a laser
rangefinder, a camera, GPS system, cell phone, or some other
device.
[0029] The back panel 202 and top front panels 206 preferably form
a rigid or semi-rigid structure that nevertheless exhibits a small
degree of elastic deformability. The back panel 202 and the top
front panel 206 are preferably shaped to form a recess 205 sized to
receive the equipment 99. The recess 205 can be arranged to provide
an interference fit when the equipment 99 is inserted to help to
retain it in the equipment holder 200.
[0030] In another embodiment, the top front panels 206 are
plastically deformable (or pre-molded) to be shaped to the
equipment 99. For example, the top front panel 206 can be a ductile
metal structure that can be deformed to the shape of the equipment
99. Alternatively the top front panel 206 may be constructed from a
thermoplastic material that can be heated a sufficient amount to
permit shaping to conform to the equipment 99.
[0031] One or more tethers 300 are provided to attach the equipment
99 to the user 50. In one embodiment, the tethers 300 are
constructed from an elastic material (e.g., shock or bungee cord,
elastic polymer or other suitable elastic material) that provide
bias force F when extended. The tethers 300 preferably have a
desired rest length when under negligible tension, but that is
under tension when lengthened. In another embodiment, the tethers
are tensioned by retraction mechanisms, such as illustrated in FIG.
6B. The tension force F is preferably sufficient to retains the
equipment 99 in the recess 205, even when the user is engaged in
kinetic activities (i.e., running, climbing, jumping, etc.).
[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, two tethers 300 are attached
to the shoulder straps 102 at one end and to the equipment 99 at
the other end. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the tethers 300
provide tension forces F that biases the equipment 99 in recess 205
in the top panels 206. Using two tethers 300 balances the forces F
on the equipment 99 when positioned in the recess 205.
[0033] The tethers 300 can be attached in any suitable way to the
equipment holder 200 or to the support members 102/104 (e.g., tied,
stitched, stapled, tacked, riveted, glued, buckled, latched,
clamped, secured by hook-and-loop, and so on). The tethers 300 can
be arranged or adapted to be attached in any suitable way to the
equipment 99 (e.g., tied around the item, looped through an eyelet
or similar structure on the item, attached to a case or sleeve for
the item, attached to a mounting plate secured to the item, and so
on).
[0034] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, once the equipment 99 is
inserted between the panels 202 and 206, the bottom front panel 208
can be pulled forward beneath the equipment 99 and upward in front
of the equipment. In that closed arrangement, the panels 202, 206,
and 208 enclose the equipment in front, behind, above, and below
and hold it in the holder 200. The equipment 99 can be left exposed
on the sides, thereby providing the user 50 with access to grasp it
while detaching the bottom front panel 208 from the top front panel
206 to release the equipment 99 from the holder 200. The front
panel 208 can be multiple substantially rigid segments connected by
one or more flexible joints or a single flexible sheet.
[0035] Optionally, equipment carrier can include additional pockets
or pouches 212, quick-detach sockets, or attachment points to carry
other objects (in addition to the equipment 99 in equipment holder
200). Such pockets, pouches, sockets, or attachment points can be
located anywhere suitable on the equipment holder 200, such as on
back panel 202 or top front panel 206, or on the set 100 of support
members 102/104 (or backpack, safety harness, etc.).
[0036] As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the equipment holder 200 is
secured to the user 50 with the equipment 99 retained in the recess
205 by the tension force F with the tethers 300 extended
substantially beyond its rest length (as in FIG. 4). The equipment
99 is captured in the recess 205 by the tension force F, even when
the bottom front panel 208 is open.
[0037] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the equipment 99 is removed
from the equipment holder 200 and available for use by the user 50
with the tethers 300 under negligible tension. In the illustrated
embodiment, the equipment 99 can be held by the user's face or head
52 with the tethers 300 under negligible tension (i.e., not
extended substantially beyond its rest length). The length of the
tethers 300 are optimized so as to not interfere with the user's 50
access to the equipment 99 when removed from the equipment holder
200.
[0038] The elongation of and tension on the tethers 300 with the
equipment 99 held by the equipment holder 200 can serve to retain
the equipment 99 in the holder 200, while permitting the user 50 to
access the equipment 99 with one hand. Attaching the tethers 300 at
a location offset from the equipment holder 200 provides the
tension force F to urges the equipment 99 into the recess 205 as
seen in FIG. 4. This arrangement also enables the equipment 99 to
be held at or near the wearer's face or head with the tether 300 at
its rest length and under negligible tension as in FIG. 5. This
configuration permits the user 50 to access the equipment 99 (e.g.,
by holding binoculars or a camera in front of his eyes) without
having to exert force against tension in the tethers 300.
[0039] FIG. 6A illustrates securing the tethers 300 as a discrete
component directly to the user 50 in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure. The tether 300 merely wraps around the
user's neck 54.
[0040] As discussed above, tension force F generated by the tether
300 retains the equipment 99 in the recess 205. The tension force F
is calibrated so that when the equipment 99 is removed from the
equipment holder 200 and raised to the user's head 52 (see e.g.,
FIG. 5), the tension force F is negligible, and preferably
substantially zero.
[0041] Wrapping the tether 300 around the user's neck simulates a
neck strap, such as for binoculars or a camera, providing easy
access. If the user 50 needs to engage in kinetic activity, the
equipment 99 is easily engages with the equipment holder 200 using
one hand.
[0042] FIG. 6B illustrates the use of retraction mechanism 302 to
generate tension force F on the tethers 300 that retains the
equipment in the recess 205 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure. The retraction mechanism 302 can be a
spring-loaded spool or other suitable extension/retraction
mechanism. The retraction mechanism 302 can be arranged to enable
the tethers 300 to be extended under tension and to be retracted
when that tension is sufficiently reduced, and can include a stop
that prevents further retraction of the tethers 300 once it is
retracted to a desired rest length.
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment with the tethers 300
attached to the user 50 below the equipment holder 200 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The
equipment holder 200 includes front panel 206 sized to receive the
equipment 99. The tension force F is directed downward toward the
waist strap 104 to retain the equipment 99 in the recess 205. In
the illustrated embodiment, the equipment 99 is a GPS device with
screen 98 that can be viewed at a location below the equipment
holder 200.
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate equipment holder 200
attached directly to an existing structure, such as chest strap 310
of a backpack 312 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The straps 102, 104 are not required. The tethers 300
are attached to shoulder straps 314 of the backpack 312. The
equipment holder 200 can be attached to a typical backpack, a
safety vest or utility vest, a utility belt, a safety harness, a
hydration pack with a bladder, or other garments or equipment that
can be worn by a wearer, making the straps 102, 104 unnecessary. In
another embodiment, the tethers 300 are attached directly to the
user 50, such as the neck strap illustrated in FIG. 6A.
[0045] In an alternate embodiment, the equipment holder 200 can be
attached to the user's belt 58. The tethers 300 can be attached to
the user 50 using any of the techniques disclosed herein, such as
by wrapping the tether 300 around the user's neck (see FIG.
6A).
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate equipment carrier 350
attached to a user's limb 352 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure. Elastic strap 354 secures equipment holder
356 to the user's arm 352. In the illustrated embodiment, the
tethers 300 are secured to shoulder straps 358 on backpack 360. As
discussed above, tension force F generated by the tethers 300
biases the equipment 99 into recess 362. In the illustrated
embodiment, the equipment 99 is a rangefinder.
[0047] In use, the user 50 removes the rangefinder 99 from the
equipment holder 356 and raises it to his eye. The length of the
tethers 300 permit the user 50 to raise the rangefinder 99 to his
eye with little or no resistance.
[0048] FIGS. 10-12 illustrate an alternate back panel 400 for an
equipment holder 402 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure. Locking assembly 404 includes housing 405 with
channels 406 configured to engage with recesses 408 on removable
base plate 410. Locking flap 412 is biased to locked configuration
414 that retains the removable base plate 410 in the channels 406.
As will be discussed in detail below, trigger 416 lowers the
locking flap 412 to be flush with surface 418 so the removable base
plate 410 can be slide out of the channels 406.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the removable base plate 410
includes threaded member 420 that attaches to the equipment 99,
such as for example a camera. In one embodiment, the removable base
plate 410 is configured to attach to a tripod or other
structure.
[0050] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate operation of the lock 404. FIG.
14 shows the locking assembly 404 with housing 405 removed for
clarity. FIG. 13 shows spring 422 biasing the locking flap 412 in
the locked configuration 414. The locking flap 412 is attached to
the locking assembly 404 by pivot pin 424.
[0051] In operation, best illustrated in FIG. 15, moving the
trigger 416 in direction 426 around pivot point 427 from locked
configuration 428 to an unlocked configuration causes the locking
flap 412 to rotate in direction 430 so the removable base plate 410
can be slide in direction 432 and out of the channels 406. Spring
434 biases the trigger 416 back to the locked configuration 428 so
the locking flap 412 can return to the locked configuration
414.
[0052] The removable base plate 410 can be returned to the locking
assembly 404 simply by sliding it along the surface 418 and into
the channels 406. The biasing force of the spring 422 is overcome
until the removable base plate 410 is past leading edge 436, after
which the spring 422 returns the locking flap 412 to the locked
configuration 414.
[0053] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that
each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper
and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening
value in that stated range is encompassed within this disclosure.
The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges which may
independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed
within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit
in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of
the limits, ranges excluding either both of those included limits
are also included in the disclosure.
[0054] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the
various methods and materials are now described. All patents and
publications mentioned herein, including those cited in the
Background of the application, are hereby incorporated by reference
to disclose and described the methods and/or materials in
connection with which the publications are cited.
[0055] The publications discussed herein are provided solely for
their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present
application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that
the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication
by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication
provided may be different from the actual publication dates which
may need to be independently confirmed.
[0056] Other embodiments are possible. Although the description
above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the disclosure, but as merely providing
illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. It is
also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of
the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made
and still fall within the scope of this disclosure. It should be
understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed
embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in
order to form varying modes disclosed. Thus, it is intended that
the scope of at least some of the present disclosure should not be
limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described
above.
[0057] Thus the scope of this disclosure should be determined by
the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will
be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure fully
encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those
skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present disclosure is
accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended
claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not
intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated,
but rather "one or more." All structural, chemical, and functional
equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred
embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are
expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be
encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary
for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to
be solved by the present disclosure, for it to be encompassed by
the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method
step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the
public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step
is explicitly recited in the claims.
* * * * *